One of the biggest obstacles to retrofitting suburbia with more walkable environments is passionate local opposition to change.
A collection of Greater Greater Washington contributors gathered online to discuss ideas for walkability in suburban settings to commemorate the release of a new book, Suburban Remix, by Jason Beske and David Dixon.
The discussion focuses on Prince George's County, specifically about the difficulties of overcoming voal local opponents to change. The discussion ranges from framing the conversation about development in terms of safety, focusing on areas where change is possible (potentially by taking other areas out of the redevelopment discussion), finding middle ground, zoning, and historic preservation.
FULL STORY: Can transforming suburban places to walkable urban ones be successful and popular?
A New Transit-Oriented Downtown for New Carrollton, Maryland
The New Carrollton transit station will add Purple Line light rail to its multi-modal mix; planners at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) hope to leverage the new transit for new land use and development around the station.
Is Atlanta's Shift to Infill Development the Canary in the Sprawl Coal Mine?
A new study indicates that one of America's poster children for auto-centric development has a made a significant u-turn. Since 2009, the majority of Atlanta's new commercial and rental housing has been built in "walkable urban places".
Foot Traffic Ahead: Report Reveals the Resilience of Walkable Places
Reports of the city’s death have been greatly exaggerated, according to new research from Smart Growth America.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)